Philips kicks off super-real gaming
Our main quibble so far with this year’s next-gen games machines is that only the Wii seems to be making any effort to revolutionise the gaming experi
Our main quibble so far with this year’s next-gen games machines is that only the Wii seems to be making any effort to revolutionise the gaming experience. Well, that’s not quite true – Philips’ long-awaited amBX tech has finally announced its first major title for PC gamers.
The new concept is shorthand for ‘ambient experiences’ and combines elements such as surround lighting, vibration and even air movement to ramp up the gaming experience another level.
The first developer to try its hand at incorporating lights, fans and heaters in its game is THQ, who’ve announced the adventure game Broken Sword: The Angel of Death, due out in the next few months.
THQ was unavailable to tell us exactly how far the adventure game will use the tech, but Philips said that the game is an ideal choice thanks to its atmospheric feel and in-depth narrative. What’s certain is that the full-on setup won’t be for anyone who feels unbearably awkward just donning an online gaming headset.
Hardcore gamers, on the other hand, will be heartened to hear that Broken Sword won’t be the only amBX game development this year. Philips says that it’s close to sealing deals with a number of other publishers and peripherals manufacturers, and ultimately wants to see the tech infiltrate the movie and music industries too. If the Dutch giant gets its way, you’ll be feeling Al Pacino’s hairdryer bark in your face in no time.
Broken Sword: The Angel of Death
Price: £TBA
On sale: September
Contact: THQ
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Dan Grabham
Editor-in-Chief 
